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In a decisive move to safeguard regional air travel, the Federal Government has unveiled its Regional Flight Booking Guarantee, providing a critical lifeline to Rex Airlines during its voluntary administration. This groundbreaking initiative is set to fortify the airline’s operations, ensuring continued service for regional communities and securing the livelihoods of over 1,200 employees.

Sam Freeman, the Voluntary Administrator of the Rex Group, expressed his profound gratitude for the government’s intervention, emphasizing the significance of this guarantee in stabilizing the airline during a precarious financial period. “Rex welcomes the Federal Government’s Regional Flight Booking Guarantee, a pivotal measure that bolsters our commitment to regional Australia,” stated Freeman. “This initiative not only supports our employees but also reassures Australians that their regional travel plans are secure, even as we navigate these challenging times.”

The Federal Government’s Regional Flight Booking Guarantee is a landmark assurance that instils confidence in travellers booking flights to and from regional destinations with Rex. Under this guarantee, passengers are entitled to a full refund if their flight is cancelled without rescheduling, ensuring that their investments in regional air travel are protected. The government’s intervention ensures that in the unlikely event of Rex’s inability to provide a refund, the Federal Government will step in, covering chargebacks and refunds, thereby safeguarding customers’ financial interests.

Freeman highlighted the broader impact of this guarantee on the airline’s ongoing recapitalization efforts. “The guarantee is instrumental in allowing Rex to maintain its flight operations while we pursue a sustainable future for the airline,” he said. “We are actively seeking an investor who shares our vision for a robust, commercially viable regional network that continues to serve the heart of Australia.”

This announcement comes at a crucial juncture for Rex Airlines, which has long been a cornerstone of regional connectivity across Australia. The airline’s regional services are not just flights but lifelines connecting isolated communities to essential services, economic opportunities, and family ties. The Federal Government’s commitment underscores the critical role of regional air travel in the nation’s broader transportation network and its importance in fostering social and economic cohesion.

The support from the Federal Government is also a testament to the resilience of regional communities and their significance to the national economy. “On behalf of the entire Rex community, from our dedicated crew to the communities we serve, I extend our heartfelt thanks to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, and the Commonwealth Government, for their unwavering support,” Freeman concluded. “Rex remains steadfast in its mission to serve regional Australia, and we encourage all Australians to view this announcement as a vote of confidence in our future.”

The Federal Government’s Regional Flight Booking Guarantee is a pioneering approach that secures the future of Rex Airlines and reaffirms the government’s commitment to maintaining vital regional services. As the airline continues its search for a strategic investor, this guarantee provides the stability needed to ensure that regional Australia remains connected, vibrant, and resilient.

With this guarantee in place, Rex Airlines is poised to emerge more substantial from its voluntary administration, continuing to play a pivotal role in connecting communities across Australia and driving economic growth in the regions.